Universities pushing aid for students

Shammrie Brown was sure he would have to drop out of Aurora University when he learned that he couldn't register for next semester without paying the balance of his tuition.

Brown, 21, who is from Grand Rapids, Mich., had begun saying goodbye when a friend told him about a new grant program the university established in response to the economic crisis.

He applied and was approved. His balance was paid.

Colleges and universities across the region are trying to help students stay in school, offering additional financial aid, increasing wages for work-study jobs and even lowering tuition.

They say the force of this recession -- with its record unemployment levels, skyrocketing foreclosure rates and the accompanying credit crisis -- has made life particularly hard for students and their families.

Most of the colleges making the various kinds of emergency efforts are smaller, private schools. A spokesman for the University of Illinois system said the state universities are strapped for cash.

Still, there's limited help available on many campuses.

Concordia University in River Forest will increase the amount of its merit-based scholarship by up to $2,000 for students starting school next fall, a spokeswoman said.

"Each student comes here with the goal of achieving their dream of a college education," said Evelyn Burdick, vice president for enrollment and marketing. "We would love not to ever lose a student because of financial reasons."

Some colleges, including DePaul and Northwestern, say they are responding to students' needs on a case-by-case basis.

DePaul University has already increased aid for those who have seen a significant change in their financial circumstances, a spokeswoman said. Northwestern University spokesman Alan Cubbage said families who saw their savings depleted may apply for additional assistance. But the university does not yet know how many will inquire.